Jim: The information and sites that you have provided on this link are invaluable for anyone hoping to restore a theatre and I thank you so very much. Today I spoke with a Paul Warshauer of Grande Venues. He was very helpful and I have given his name to a ‘theatre restoration hopeful’ friend of mine along with the sites that provide professional management, etc.
It seems there were many theatres in Charleston on King Street! If this theatre is currently owned by the College of Charleston and is used by their theatre department perhaps this is the store front that I visited when in Charleston as I told by the gift shop owner that the auditorium still exists in the back and is being used by a local college. The owner showed me behind a small wall curtain the original glass-enclosed theatre poster inserts. I thought that she should at least be using them as display/advertisement areas, but didn’t tell her so.
I clicked on the artist’s name and viewed Ms. Lambert’s entire theatre collection which includes the Garden Theatre on King Street in Charleston SC. This theatre’s future is uncertain so I hope someone can post an update on it.
I hadn’t looked at this site, but checked it out after speaking with Paul Warshauer, General Manager. Thanks Paul for your time and I hope my Carolina Theatre contact emails you in the near future.
I sure wish someone would post some interior and exterior photos of this theatre. When I was in Charleston SC in late January I recall going by this gorgeous building, but didn’t know at the time that it had been a theatre…if someone had told me I would have investigated closer though I did see the Riviera and the American while in town on King Street.
It is most interesting to read so many personal thoughts concerning this theatre and I only hope that the current status is good so hope that someone gives us some updated positive thumbs up information. And I agree “The only way to save this historically valuable theater is for everyone to pull on the same rope.”
Matt: I sent you an email, but wanted to say here…congratulations on what you and others were able to accomplish in saving another theatre! My friends enjoyed Jukebox Journey! Hope to hear from you soon.
filmgrrl: Congratulations and I’m sure your memories of an Arcada wedding ceremony will remain with you always. I’m always quite sure that someone with more knowledge than I will answer your Arcada questions though I have been following the Arcada saga for several weeks.
An atmospheric should never be closed as they are very special, but so are all the old cinema treasures no matter the style as they truly are just that….treasures!
This being an atmospheric and Moorish I’d love to see some interior photos of the Florida Theatre. When I read that the theatre in 1955 seated 3,155 I thought I was seeing things as that is a huge theatre capacity.
Steven: Good for you…keep telling everybody who will listen that a wonderfl movie house was once there! That’s what we all need is another parking lot….. sure is much more cultural than a nice restored theatre! NOT! What politicans/city council member’s idea was that to ‘put in another parking lot’! The art deco facade of this former theatre was so beautiful and I’d love to see other vintage photos if anyone has them.
Just watched Food Nation with Bobby Flay and he was in Richmond VA. He told us about some great restaurants there, but we know there are 2 great theatres there, too…..thanks to CT.
Just watched Food Nation with Bobby Flay and he was in Richmond VA. He told us about some great restaurants there, but we know there are 2 great theatres there, too…..thanks to CT.
After walking inside and looking at the molding along the ceiling, the marquee, etc. I can report back here that the theatre is art deco. And the special part is that it’s all original since the 40’s. The ticket kios is still there, but not being used anymore.
Well, today was the day! I found the Gem and had a nice chat with the owner. At the time a group of elementary children were seeing the movie entitled Because of Winn Dixie. We were able to walk inside the darkened auditorium and make out the 2 illuminated phoenix birds in the deco sections near the stage/screen. This theatre along with about 3 others in the town were all built by the Cannon family. One of the theatres was for the black population and is now a funeral home, but wasn’t able to find it so will try again in the near future. Another theatre is now a grocery store, but spoke to an older lady who is the cashier and she recalled going to see movies at that location for 12 cents! The Gem is truly a gem and we plan to go see a movie some evening in Kannapolis!
Jim: The information and sites that you have provided on this link are invaluable for anyone hoping to restore a theatre and I thank you so very much. Today I spoke with a Paul Warshauer of Grande Venues. He was very helpful and I have given his name to a ‘theatre restoration hopeful’ friend of mine along with the sites that provide professional management, etc.
Guess the Garden Theatre is only on canvas now though. Such a shame as it has or had a beautiful front facade!
This is sad news and does NOT ‘make my day’!
It seems there were many theatres in Charleston on King Street! If this theatre is currently owned by the College of Charleston and is used by their theatre department perhaps this is the store front that I visited when in Charleston as I told by the gift shop owner that the auditorium still exists in the back and is being used by a local college. The owner showed me behind a small wall curtain the original glass-enclosed theatre poster inserts. I thought that she should at least be using them as display/advertisement areas, but didn’t tell her so.
I clicked on the artist’s name and viewed Ms. Lambert’s entire theatre collection which includes the Garden Theatre on King Street in Charleston SC. This theatre’s future is uncertain so I hope someone can post an update on it.
I hadn’t looked at this site, but checked it out after speaking with Paul Warshauer, General Manager. Thanks Paul for your time and I hope my Carolina Theatre contact emails you in the near future.
lostmemory: Thanks for these photos and information.
I sure wish someone would post some interior and exterior photos of this theatre. When I was in Charleston SC in late January I recall going by this gorgeous building, but didn’t know at the time that it had been a theatre…if someone had told me I would have investigated closer though I did see the Riviera and the American while in town on King Street.
It is most interesting to read so many personal thoughts concerning this theatre and I only hope that the current status is good so hope that someone gives us some updated positive thumbs up information. And I agree “The only way to save this historically valuable theater is for everyone to pull on the same rope.”
Matt: I sent you an email, but wanted to say here…congratulations on what you and others were able to accomplish in saving another theatre! My friends enjoyed Jukebox Journey! Hope to hear from you soon.
filmgrrl: Congratulations and I’m sure your memories of an Arcada wedding ceremony will remain with you always. I’m always quite sure that someone with more knowledge than I will answer your Arcada questions though I have been following the Arcada saga for several weeks.
And where did the name Surburban World come from? I like Granada much better!
An atmospheric should never be closed as they are very special, but so are all the old cinema treasures no matter the style as they truly are just that….treasures!
Atmos: The photos are wonderful and I wonder if this wonderful atmospheric Texas Theatre is being restored today?
Steven: I just looked at the 60’s demolition photos and just couldn’t believe my eyes…and all for another parking lot! :–(
This being an atmospheric and Moorish I’d love to see some interior photos of the Florida Theatre. When I read that the theatre in 1955 seated 3,155 I thought I was seeing things as that is a huge theatre capacity.
The word ‘stylish’ is used in describing the Florida Theatre yet it was allowed to be demolished…go figure!
I see that it was destroyed in a fire…wonder if anyone knows that sad story?
Steven: Good for you…keep telling everybody who will listen that a wonderfl movie house was once there! That’s what we all need is another parking lot….. sure is much more cultural than a nice restored theatre! NOT! What politicans/city council member’s idea was that to ‘put in another parking lot’! The art deco facade of this former theatre was so beautiful and I’d love to see other vintage photos if anyone has them.
Just watched Food Nation with Bobby Flay and he was in Richmond VA. He told us about some great restaurants there, but we know there are 2 great theatres there, too…..thanks to CT.
Just watched Food Nation with Bobby Flay and he was in Richmond VA. He told us about some great restaurants there, but we know there are 2 great theatres there, too…..thanks to CT.
After walking inside and looking at the molding along the ceiling, the marquee, etc. I can report back here that the theatre is art deco. And the special part is that it’s all original since the 40’s. The ticket kios is still there, but not being used anymore.
Well, today was the day! I found the Gem and had a nice chat with the owner. At the time a group of elementary children were seeing the movie entitled Because of Winn Dixie. We were able to walk inside the darkened auditorium and make out the 2 illuminated phoenix birds in the deco sections near the stage/screen. This theatre along with about 3 others in the town were all built by the Cannon family. One of the theatres was for the black population and is now a funeral home, but wasn’t able to find it so will try again in the near future. Another theatre is now a grocery store, but spoke to an older lady who is the cashier and she recalled going to see movies at that location for 12 cents! The Gem is truly a gem and we plan to go see a movie some evening in Kannapolis!
TC: Great photo!
Sorry the name is Susan Baxter.